Conquering the land IC

[Warlawk]

Raziel quickly tucks the magical items into his pack and then takes the air, chasing after his speedy companions at a full 'run'.

[Alhallor]

When you fly towards the wall, there are sometimes golem arms that rise up from the sand, but they can't reach you. The patrol on the walls are just simple sceletons they're white heads shimmer and glisten but when they notice you, they don't seem to react, merely continuing they're eternal patrol. The insides of the castle seem to be designed like the drug dream of a necromancer.

They are several bone and flesh structures along entire buildings cut out from black stone. Several small towers made from rotten bones cry out in anguish when a monstrosity that looks like its made out of several stitched together limbs shuffles by. Sometimes you see humanoid figures that rally some of the stray undead to go to the opposite side of where you flyd over the wall.

[Genth]

Parzlaa's eyes flash with ill intent as he makes his way up towards one of the towers, landing on the smooth black stone with a thunk of metal against granite, clawed feet sending up a few chips of rock. He looks around, and allows the claws to extend from his fingers, wreathed in lightning. "If you can hear me now, Mordigar... We will give you no chance to surrender. If you wish to continue your pathetic existence, flee and leave the Heart behind." he says, voice calm and rich, almost friendly, although given apparently to thin air.

[LairdMaon]

When Parzlaa ceases it's flight on stone, Tayci continues on. She passes through the wall completely and takes a long look around.

[Alhallor]

Before Parzlaatamuun stand three Buildings, directly in front of him is one clad in black stone the left one is of putid flesh, whose stench would even let ogres wretch. The wright one seems to be constructed out of bone and there is a lone sceleton standing there… Not really doing anything. On the base of the sceleton Building there is a lone ghoul who watches the scene with a mix of concern and hunger.

There is also a pile of necromantic "raw material" that slowly seems to shift around.

Before Parzlataamuun on the black building there jumps out someone!

But it seems to be a heaving red-faced human with a royal fur coat on his shoulders and a shield on his side that is emblemed with a log of wood.

The peculiar thing about him is that he seems to be encapsuled by a reddish shield where the souls of the damned seemingly want to Escape.

"Mordigar! Mordigar! Mordigar! I can't hear his name anymore!

I

AM

"

He blasts a cone of eldritch Energy towards Parzlataamuun and Raziel, the reach of the cone is unfathomable and utterly destroys the wall behind you. After the cone subsides he looks slightly different but you can't exactly tell what happened.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Baron Woodstride fluked his surprise round because he wanted to introduce himself. Even with AV rolling a 20 he would still act before all of you and he blasts you with (15d6)[52] Damage. , Reflex save against 31 for half. Half of that is fire the other is nonresistable dessication damage. It's not a casted spell and not subject to SR. It's your turn.

Spoiler: Tayci

Show

When you see inside the building you see three giants who have giant bone shields strapped to their arms and they seem ready to emerge onto the roof.

Spoiler: Map

Show

MAP

[Genth]

Spoiler: Status at start of turn

Show

Parzlaa takes 26 fire damage, reduced by 12 to 14, plus 26 dessication damage (lol on the guy made of metal? any ideas for alternative fluff for how it damages him?). 40 damage taken.
HP=178/218

Weathering the blast full on, Parzlaatamuun's eyes flash, almost in surprise as his body is hit by the vicious eldritch energy, the metal on his chestplate blackening slightly with slag. He moves forwards in response, speaking as he does so. "You name matters not. You will perish." he says, and charges for the man, swiping out with a vicious claw, trailing powerful energies as he does so. From within his chassis comes a glow of green energy, the same as all the rest of his frightening appearance, gearing up as he seems to commit himself to a real fight.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

On start of turn, heals for 6 damage
HP:184/218
Charge at the Baron
Attack Roll (1d20+28)[48] (Including +2 from Charge) [31 rolled on discord to confirm critical hit ouch]
Damage (3d6+15)[20] Weapon Damage plus 8 Fire Damage plus (1d6)[3] Electrical Damage
If I hit, I rend for (6d6+15)[38]
I also Electrical Discharge for (12d6)[45] Electrical Damage
I also Energy Drain 2 levels from him, if he is y'know alive.

[Alhallor]

"GAH!"

When Parzlataamuun charges forward there appears a big hulking brute with a giant bone shield strapped to his arm at baron woodstride's side, he try's to intercept the shield but is not able too protect his charge. The attack shatters the swirling red force field that protected the baron, and even cut him a little bit. But he does something and he seems to rapidly age, he groans painfully but there is another red swirling force field that protects him again.

Spoiler: Updated map

Show

MORE MAP!

[LairdMaon]

Tayci gazes hungrily at the giants from her shadowy concealment. Without moving an inch she lets fly a single harpoon at each one, silently cackling to herself.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Under the effect of Total Concealment.

First Giant
To Hit ignoring armor (1d20+17)[36]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+17)[21]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[18]
Force, Fleshgrinding


Second Giant
To Hit ignoring armor (1d20+12)[17]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+12)[28]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[17]
Force, Fleshgrinding


Third Giant
To Hit ignoring armor (1d20+7)[18]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+7)[19]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[17]
Force, Fleshgrinding

Spoiler: harpoon

Show

If it deals damage, the harpoon lodges in an opponent who fails a Reflex saving throw (DC 10 + the damage dealt). A harpooned creature moves at only half speed and cannot charge or run. If you control the trailing rope by succeeding on an opposed Strength check while holding it, the harpooned creature can move only within the limits that the rope allows (the trailing rope is 30 feet long). If the harpooned creature attempts to cast a spell, it must succeed on a DC 15 Concentration check or lose the spell.
The harpooned creature can pull the harpoon from its wound if it has two free hands and takes a full-round action to do so, but it deals damage to itself equal to the initial damage the harpoon dealt. A character who succeeds on a DC 15 Heal check can remove a harpoon without further damage.

[AvatarVecna]

Zara drains them, and buries them in the black sands for when they awaken as her kin. She joins her companions in their assault on the fortress, brimming with power now that her hunger is sated.

Spoiler: OoC

Show

53 total charges gained, losing a number of charges equal to these guys' HD to get them to become vampires in (1d4)[2] days.

Init: (1d20+7)[27]

[AvatarVecna]

Zara eyes the Baron as she drifts closer, and opens her jaws wide - so wide they almost seem to dislocate for a moment. Images of nashing teeth dripping with blood and ichor burst through the air towards the Baron.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Zara gets within 20 ft of the Baron. Zara casts her Echoing "Blood Wind" spell. This lets her do a natural attack routine as if it were a ranged weapon with 20 ft RI.

Bite Attack: (1d20+12)[21] ((1d20+12)[29] crit confirm)
Damage: (1d4+3)[5] (+(1d4+3)[4] if crit)
Poison: Fort DC 20 vs (2d6)[5] Str damage (or none if immune)
Negative Levels: 3 (or 1 if normally immune), Save DC 23 to lose them later

Slam Attack: (1d20+12)[30] ((1d20+12)[31] crit confirm)
Damage: (1d8+10)[12] (+(1d8+10)[16] if crit)
Negative Levels: 3 (or 1 if normally immune), Save DC 23 to lose them later

[Warlawk]

Leaping into the air and swirling himself aside with his wings, Raziel avoids the worst of the blast as he propels himself forward. Drawing in a huge breath he throws his head back, mouth open wide in a scream that is nearly silent as raw power ripples forth from his clenched vocal cords. The ripples seem to settle around Raziel and his allies, a shimmering heat haze of sonic distortion as the shattered Word of Creation wreaths them in broken reality.

Spoiler: OOC and Statblock Show Reflex save 31 (Discord diceroller), fire resist 6. 20 damage taken, regeneration 6 for net of -14 HP on my turn. Move 60' forward Cast Inspirational Boost Bardic Music Inspire Courage +6 Morale to Attack, Damage and saves Vs charm/fear for all allies that can hear (2 base, 1 song of the heart, 1 Vest of Legends, 1 Inspirational Boost, 1 Badge of Valor) Activate Badge of Valor Raziel Angel NE Angel Bard 10, Sublime Chord 2//Angel 12, Level 12, Init 1, HP 120/134, Speed 30' / 60' Fly AC 37, Touch 11, Flat-footed 36, Fort 15, Ref 15, Will 20, Base Attack Bonus 12/7/2 Greater Magic Weapon +3 Cold Iron Rapier +28/23/18 (1d8+17, 15+x2) Greater Magic Weapon +3 Cold Iron Falchion +28/23/18 (2d6+19, 18+x2) Magic Vestment +3 Mithral Breastplate, Githcraft, Magic Vestment +3 Mithral Heavy Shield (+8 Armor, +5 Shield, +1 Dex, -1 Size, +1 Deflect, +13 Natural) Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 13, Wis 19, Cha 28 Condition Inspire Courage +6, Glibness 11M/12M Tongues, Discern Lies, True Seeing Greater Magic Weapon +3, Magic Vestment Armor and Shield +3, Superior Resistance +6 Resistance Acid, Cold, Petrification+12, Resistance Fire Electricity 6, +12 Vs Poison, DR 6/Good, SR 23. Magic Circle Vs Good (Bonus = Cha Mod) and Minor Globe of Invulnerability 3rd lvl spells. Regeneration 6/Good.

[Alhallor]

Baron Woodstride takes a step back.

I hate it when I have to do that!

Baron Woodstride points a finger at Raziel, as he is raising the finger you can all see how the creases in his face deepens, his hair grows longer and loses color and he bends over a little. At his finger there is swirling energy that is released in a sudden spurt of energy, in the blink of an eye it's reaching Raziel.

Spoiler: Attack against Raziel.

Show

Touch attack: (1d20+18)[37]
if hit. (20d6)[68] damage, Fort against 31 for half, half Fire half dessication (unnatural aging) damage.

When Zara's ranged attacks fly towards the Baron there is another Giant coming out of the roof, this time he blocks the attack with his giant bone shield. But it seems brittle and already seems quite damaged after weathering these attacks.

There is a "thump" sound from inside the building the baron is standing on and it shakes slightly.

Spoiler: Laird Maon

Show

The third giant that you can see charges towards you and try's to hit you! But his fist doesn't count as magical and he only hit the wall.

Suddenly there fly's a corpse towards Zara!

Spoiler: Attack against Zara

Show

Attack roll: (1d20+27)[39]
Damage (4d6+15)[30]

It came probably from the giant pile of corpses from her right side.

[Genth]

The Constructs eyes flash from one giant thing to the other, and a soft laughing sound comes from his expressionless face. "Your puppets are quite entertaining." he says as he lashes out first left then right, claws gleaming to strike at the guardians

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Start of Turn, another 6 HP healed HP:190/218

Attack vs left giant (1d20+32)[51] (including Courage Bonus woot)
Damage vs left giant (3d6+21)[38] Plus 8 fire Plus (1d6)[1] Electrical

Attack vs right giant (1d20+32)[34] (including Courage Bonus woot)
Damage vs right giant (3d6+21)[32] Plus 8 fire Plus (1d6)[4] Electrical

"But you are a weakling, playing with toys, Baron." he adds as he turns his claws upon the Baron himself, stabbing out towards the man's chest with vicious intent.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

2 Claw attacks on the Baron
Attack '3' (1d20+24)[42] | Damage (3d6+21)[27] Plus 8 Fire Plus (1d6)[6] Electricity
Attack '4' (1d20+19)[24] | Damage (3d6+21)[29] Plus 8 Fire Plus (1d6)[4] Electricity

If I score a hit on the Baron
(12d6)[51] Electrical Discharge
(6d6+21)[44] Rend

Some Crit Confirmation Rolls
(1d20)[5]
(1d20)[7]

The machine laughs as his blows connect, the green energy latching on to 'something' within the Baron, greedily drinking. "Each blow strengthens the wound at my heart, making your kind less and less relevent. Give in. Your existence is a mockery."

[LairdMaon]

Amusement and pleasure is written across the spectral lass as the giant charges her and strikes nothing but wall. She floats up and lets loose another volley of harpoons, targeting each giant in turn, even as the first set grind inside their meaty homes.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Under the effect of Total Concealment.

First Giant
To Hit via ignoring armor (1d20+17)[37]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+17)[22]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[19]
Force, Fleshgrinding

Existing Fleshgrinding Harpoon
Round 1
To Hurt (1d10+9)[17]
Force



Second Giant
To Hit via ignoring armor (1d20+12)[32]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+12)[18]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[15]
Force, Fleshgrinding

Existing Fleshgrinding Harpoon
Round 1
To Hurt (1d10+9)[15]
Force



Third Giant
To Hit via ignoring armor (1d20+7)[21]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+7)[13]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[18]
Force, Fleshgrinding

Existing Fleshgrinding Harpoon
Round 1
To Hurt (1d10+9)[18]
Force

Spoiler: harpoon

Show

If it deals damage, the harpoon lodges in an
opponent who fails a Reflex saving throw (DC 10 + the damage dealt). A harpooned creature moves at only half speed and cannot charge or run. If you control the trailing rope by succeeding on an opposed Strength check while holding it, the harpooned creature can move only within the limits that the rope allows (the trailing rope is 30 feet long). If the harpooned creature attempts to cast a spell, it must succeed on a DC 15 Concentration check or lose the spell.
The harpooned creature can pull the harpoon from its wound if it has two free hands and takes a full-round action to do so, but it deals damage to itself equal to the initial damage the harpoon dealt. A character who succeeds on a DC 15 Heal check can remove a harpoon without further damage.

[Warlawk]

Raziel staggers back beneath the ray of searing energy looking haggard and worn as he regains his balance, dull feathers drifting in the air around him. A deep humming seems to emanate from within his chest, matching the pitch of the fractured reality that surrounds the Cabal members. The sound feeds upon itself, building and reverberating in a feedback loop as it climbs ever higher, faster, dragging the flesh with it as it speeds out of sync with the surrounding world. The battered angel steps over the edge of the roof, taking some cover from the lip of the building as he hovers in the air.

Spoiler: OOC and Statblock Show Fort Save 25in discord dice roller 120HP, 68 damage, 6 fire resist, 6 regeneration. Net 64HP. Cast Haste, get as many allies as possible within the area. A little tricky keeping track when we've got one playing leapfrog with solid reality, lol. Move to take cover at the edge of the roof so baron meanypants stops beating my pretty ass! Raziel Angel NE Angel Bard 10, Sublime Chord 2//Angel 12, Level 12, Init 1, HP 64/134, Speed 30' / 60' Fly AC 37, Touch 11, Flat-footed 36, Fort 15, Ref 15, Will 20, Base Attack Bonus 12/7/2 Greater Magic Weapon +3 Cold Iron Rapier +28/23/18 (1d8+17, 15+x2) Greater Magic Weapon +3 Cold Iron Falchion +28/23/18 (2d6+19, 18+x2) Magic Vestment +3 Mithral Breastplate, Githcraft, Magic Vestment +3 Mithral Heavy Shield (+8 Armor, +5 Shield, +1 Dex, -1 Size, +1 Deflect, +13 Natural) Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 13, Wis 19, Cha 28 Condition Haste 12R/12R, Inspire Courage +6, Glibness 110M/120M Tongues, Discern Lies, True Seeing Greater Magic Weapon +3, Magic Vestment Armor and Shield +3, Superior Resistance +6 Resistance Acid, Cold, Petrification+12, Resistance Fire, Electricity 6, +12 Vs Poison, DR 6/Good, SR 23. Magic Circle Vs Good (Bonus = Cha Mod) and Minor Globe of Invulnerability 3rd lvl spells. Regeneration 6/Good.

[AvatarVecna]

Zara glances at the pile and, on a whim, splits her spell in two, to cause both targets distress, before backing away into the sky to assess the situation.

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Casting "Greater Dispel Magic" as a targeted dispel on the Necronaut, and using Spider Dance to use my "Greater Dispel Magic" SLA as a targeted spell on the baron. Let me know how many CL Checks I need to make and I'll get em rolled up.

[Alhallor]

As Parzlataamuuns mighty claws slice through the puppets he realizes that they are nearly dead. When he attacks the baron, his strike shatters his shield again, and even scratch the baron while he is desperately trying to protect itself. Even when his soul seems to be pulled out of his body, he doesn't seem to react like a normal person would and he somehow doesn't seem worse for wear.

Keep you stupid parlor tricks away from me, you walking pile of scrap metal!

CONE

OF

DESSICATION!

He angles his destructive cone slightly to affect Raziel, Parzlaatamuun and Tayci, but he also utterly destroys the giant inside the building with his destructive powers.

Spoiler: Effect.

Show

That would be (15d6)[49] again, half fire, half unnatural aging Reflex save against 31 for half. Raziel you get another +2 because you have the building as additional protection, Tayci you would gain that too if you were still inside the building.

This time his hair turns grey and you hear a slight "pop" from his spine. There is a short flash of pain, but even when he staggers he still stands upright. He surrounds himself with his swirling shield again, but the mighty spell of Zara strips that away. Taking other protective and enhancing spells with it.

Noo... He mutters weakly while stumbling back.

The pile of corpses seems to produce a massive spiky fist and shakes it angrily at Zara. It try's to stretch, but can't reach her. Deep inside the pile is a strange rumbling and guttering, when this time a half of a zombie gets shot at her with high speed.

Spoiler: Attack against Zara

Show

Attack (1d20+23)[27] (You're getting out of his range.]
Damage (4d6+15)[30]

Spoiler: Updated map

Show

"Kids these days…"

[LairdMaon]

Tayci snarls soundlessly and turns her attention to the Baron. All three of her harpoons fly straight at him, eager to express her displeasure at his audacity.

Spoiler: ooc

Show

Hp: 155/180

Under the effect of Total Concealment.

Baron
First Harpoon
To Hit via ignoring armor (1d20+17)[34]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+17)[21]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[14]
Force, Fleshgrinding

Second Harpoon
To Hit via ignoring armor (1d20+12)[17]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+12)[19]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[13]
Force, Fleshgrinding

Third Harpoon
To Hit via ignoring armor (1d20+7)[10]

Spoiler: Lucky reroll

Show

To Hit (1d20+7)[19]

To Hurt (1d10+9)[17]
Force, Fleshgrinding



First Giant
Existing Fleshgrinding Harpoon
Round 1
To Hurt (1d10+9)[19]
Force

Existing Fleshgrinding Harpoon
Round 2
To Hurt (1d10+9)[18]
Force



Third Giant
Existing Fleshgrinding Harpoon
Round 1
To Hurt (1d10+9)[16]
Force

Existing Fleshgrinding Harpoon
Round 2
To Hurt (1d10+9)[13]
Force

Spoiler: harpoon

Show

If it deals damage, the harpoon lodges in an
opponent who fails a Reflex saving throw (DC 10 + the damage dealt). A harpooned creature moves at only half speed and cannot charge or run. If you control the trailing rope by succeeding on an opposed Strength check while holding it, the harpooned creature can move only within the limits that the rope allows (the trailing rope is 30 feet long). If the harpooned creature attempts to cast a spell, it must succeed on a DC 15 Concentration check or lose the spell.
The harpooned creature can pull the harpoon from its wound if it has two free hands and takes a full-round action to do so, but it deals damage to itself equal to the initial damage the harpoon dealt. A character who succeeds on a DC 15 Heal check can remove a harpoon without further damage.

[Warlawk]

Raziel is caught fully by the blast as is shears through the building edge in front of him. Haggard, stooping and surrounded by a halo of flaming feathers drifting down through the air the fallen Angel throws back his head and releases a howl of pain drawn from the soul. The ripples of power seem to smooth his haggard visage as he swoops through the air, shedding his wounds as if they never were, physical pain removed as the shattered Word of Creation undoes the wounds themselves. Raziel alights the roof lip behind the Baron with blade in hand and dark intent clouding the very air around him. "Now you die fool."

Spoiler: OOC and Statblock Show Reflex save 22 from Discord. 64 Current HP, 49 damage reduced by Fire resistance 6, regeneration 6, Heal for 120 HP, for net HP of 134. Cast Heal SLA Move around the building and behind the baron at my 10' reach with weapon drawn Raziel Angel NE Angel Bard 10, Sublime Chord 2//Angel 12, Level 12, Init 1, HP 134/134, Speed 30' / 60' Fly AC 37, Touch 11, Flat-footed 36, Fort 15, Ref 15, Will 20, Base Attack Bonus 12/7/2 Greater Magic Weapon +3 Cold Iron Rapier +28/23/18 (1d8+17, 15+x2) Greater Magic Weapon +3 Cold Iron Falchion +28/23/18 (2d6+19, 18+x2) Magic Vestment +3 Mithral Breastplate, Githcraft, Magic Vestment +3 Mithral Heavy Shield (+8 Armor, +5 Shield, +1 Dex, -1 Size, +1 Deflect, +13 Natural) Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 20, Int 13, Wis 19, Cha 28 Condition Haste 11R/12R, Inspire Courage +6, Glibness 110M/120M Tongues, Discern Lies, True Seeing Greater Magic Weapon +3, Magic Vestment Armor and Shield +3, Superior Resistance +6 Resistance Acid, Cold, Petrification+12, Resistance Fire, Electricity 6, +12 Vs Poison, DR 6/Good, SR 23. Magic Circle Vs Good (Bonus = Cha Mod) and Minor Globe of Invulnerability 3rd lvl spells. Regeneration 6/Good.

[Genth]

As the wave of dessicating energy explodes outwards, this time the Lord of Silent Iron is ready, twisting to one side and swiping up with claws, the energy itself split into pieces, the main force of it washing past him, though parts of his shoulders and legs still gain that dark patina of age.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

HP:190 plus 10 temp 25 damage after successful save reduced by 12 from fire resistance, 13 taken -> HP:187. At start of turn, heal 6 for HP:193

"Your soul is resistant, little man." He says, and swipes through the air towards him as he begins his battery of attacks, claws dancing through the air.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

First set of Claws +1 from Haste
(1d20+35)[54] (base is +26, +6 from Courage, +1 from Haste, +2 from Flanking) | Damage (3d6+21)[31] plus 8 Fire plus (1d6)[4] Electricity
(1d20+35)[53] (base is +26, +6 from Courage, +1 from Haste, +2 from Flanking) | Damage (3d6+21)[28] plus 8 Fire plus (1d6)[4] Electricity
(1d20+35)[53] (base is +26, +6 from Courage, +1 from Haste, +2 from Flanking) | Damage (3d6+21)[30] plus 8 Fire plus (1d6)[1] Electricity

On first one that hits (12d6)[33] Discharge Electricity
(6d6+15)[34] Rend

Relentless, with green mist flowing up and around his body, Parzlaatamuun continues his assault, twisting and ducking to make a mockery of the Baron's attempts to dodge. "You spend your life like coin, remaining resolutely bound to your scrap of soul-energy, thinking yourself strong and independent. But you are not."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

LAst two claws
(1d20+30)[48] | (3d6+21)[30] Plus 8 Fire, plus (1d6)[2] Electrical
(1d20+25)[34] |(3d6+21)[30] Plus 8 Fire, plus (1d6)[3] Electrical

"You are merely F L E S H."

[AvatarVecna]

With her allies aided in their fight against the main foe, Zara focused her attention on the mess before her. No style, no design philosophy, just a giant pile of bones and guts animated as a single mass and shambling around. It was a miserable sight, and needed to be repurposed. A gesture from her, and the creature withered before her eyes.

Spoiler: OoC

Show

Orb Of Acid. Ranged Touch Attack.

Attack: (1d20+14)[18]
Damage: (12d6+6)[50]

[Alhallor]

The baron already gone from a handsome young man to a decrepit old fool throws up another shield as the soul harpoons fly towards him. A painful grin splits his lips and you can't even see the effect the ageing has on him, because parzlataamuuns next attack forces him to throw up another one. When raziel appears behind him, his eyes nearly bulge out in shock, perhaps it was this small momentary lapse in judgment or his stolen powers are used up but the mighty claws of the lord of silent iron make short work of the old man, his last two bodyguards succumb to the deadly grinding of the harpoons.

The mass of flesh, guts and bones seem to shrink after getting hit by a massive ball of acid it seems to cry out in a cacophony of voices, that all together form words in the abyssal language.

"I would like to negotiate!" Two massive bony appendages curl out from the massive pile of dead material, plant themselves firmly into the ground and the whole pillar bows slightly towards you.

[Genth]

Parzlaatamuun seems to glow a bit brighter as he sucks down the last of the Baron's soul energy, growling in pleasure as he turns towards the corpse-thing. He walks over, letting his claws retract. "Do we speak to the master of the castle, or a mere servent then?" he asks of the giant shambling pile.

[Alhallor]

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry the master of the castle is further inside. I'm merely an independent contractor."

One of his massive arms stretch out, snatches the ghoul who has looked at the carnage so far and plants it inside him, followed by a short scream, crunching noises and then silence.

"With own interest, of course. Count Mordigar was under the assumption that the baron and me was enough to hold up anything that came from this side. Obviously he was wrong. If we have no further bad blood between us I suggest that you let me eat my share here and you do whatever you was here for?"

[Warlawk]

Raziel hops off the coping ringing the wall, alighting beside Parzla. He maintains a deep hum that seems to rumble forth from his chest trapping the energies wreathing himself and his companions in a pulsing stasis, unwilling to let them fade until he is sure hostilities are over.

[Genth]

Parzlatamuun's eyes flicker as he looks the creature up and down, seeming to ponder his response before nodding. "Answer a few questions, and we'll be on our way. What else does Mordigar have defending the Heart?"

[Alhallor]

"The heart of his throne room is protected by a few of these."

One of his massive bony claws grabs one of the giants and drags it towards himself.

"There are some traps with poison, thankfully nothing celestial or anything. But only activated if you're walking on the wall or the ceiling."

The giant is... Eaten more slowly than the ghoul, the pile seems to grow a little bit bigger.

"Last time I was there his throne room was also protected by mighty glyphs of sealing, only passable by someone who was given access. The protection goes all around the throne room, up and down. But if one of you could dispel the shield of the baron you should not have any problems with the glyphs."

The giant is devoured completely and the pile of corpses choose to grab the next one.

"Nothing else comes to mind. If you go around you may find some other monstrosities that are alerted if you enter the throne room, but I guess you will be done when they arrive."

[Genth]

With a nod, Parzlaatamuun turns to Zara and Raziel. ~Any other questions we should ask of this creature? Your assessment, Zara, could it be used for our own ends?"

[Warlawk]

Raziel's cowl rustles as he shakes his head curtly in the negative.

[AvatarVecna]

"Allowing it to roam freely or under direction is a way to prevent our dead foes from being resurrected and turned against us, at least without a good deal more effort. The concern lies in that it is intelligence, even if only just, and that it can grow far more powerful than it currently is if left unchecked, and already it is highly resistant to normal methods of control. Free will is...messy. Unpredicable at the best of times."

My recommended course of action for a long-term assistance without it becoming a hindrance: tomorrow - or today, if one of you has such magicks available already - we teleport the thing a great distance to the lands of our enemies, drop it off in a morgue or graveyard or what have you, and let it get its fill of corpses to grow big and strong, and we leave. It gets to grow a great deal, but in a way where it won't become our problem directly for a great long time."